Doggy Couch Wars: The Battle for Comfort

Hi, I’m Dr. Maja! Read my introduction to learn more about me and my two crossbreed dogs, Lava and Hela.

Having dogs is pretty much giving up your personal space. Well, any space, for that matter. They will try and sit everywhere, including in your lap, despite their less-than-small body weight. And then there’s the couch. You may well say goodbye to enjoying a peaceful night in front of the TV or having friends over, as dogs will literally be everywhere.

Three Can Fit, No Problem

The surprising fact is, no matter how small a couch or even a single bed is, at least two dogs will fit in there without any problem, leaving absolutely no room for one person. And the third one will also try to join up if given the opportunity. And somehow, the couch will be able to make room for all the four-legged beasts, but no humans whatsoever. And we won’t even get into the dog hair issue. It’s not even an issue; it’s a constant presence, like breathing air. And then, to make it even more interesting, despite a big garden, Hela and Lajka choose to play on the couch, as the most convenient location in the entire home. And when I say play, I mean violently and excitedly biting one another in a playful manner, running around, and jumping up and down on the sofa. I don’t need to even mention how many times a day the vacuum cleaner is out.

I Guess It’s What I Signed Up For

It’s funny how rescuing a dog, or two, or three, you don’t think about little things that become a daily meaningful occurrence. You focus on cost, dog food, vet bills, and training, but forget about the joys of sharing funny moments with them on a daily basis. One of those moments, for sure, is sitting on the couch, with three dogs around me, while the smallest one, Lajka, is usually in my lap or next to my shoulder. And for those few silent moments, when no one is playing, jumping, or barking, and everything is still, I can actually appreciate how much they have given me, without even asking for anything in return. Except for the dog hair, I wish they kept that to themselves.

Lava Is a Solo Player

Lava is my special one, for sure. She is such a grump. She will play on her own terms, when and where she wants it, and how she wants it. Everything else is a no, and she will proudly growl to make sure everyone is aware of her opinion. And there is jealousy. As soon as Hela and Lajka try to get my attention, there is Lava’s butt, pushing them away, and finding a place next to me. Or on top of me, if I’m lying down. It’s funny how such a big dog can fit into all sorts of small spaces when she wants to.

Lava is a proper loner sometimes. She doesn’t like to share the couch, and has the most disappointed look on her face when Hela and Lajka are there. She will try to stay in her spot for a few minutes, so they won’t occupy it, but soon enough, as the other dogs’ excitement becomes too much for her, she will leave and find herself a different resting place.

Dog Couch Is the Only Way Forward

The only solution for this conundrum is to get a separate dog couch and make it as enticing and inviting as possible, for them to choose it over the “human” one. At least to trick them into choosing it, as if it were their own decision, and not something imposed. That’s wishful thinking, but I do plan on something similar in the next couple of years as I finish my house. In the meantime, we'll all have to settle on having a hairy couch, with awkward paws and heads sticking out from everywhere, and avoiding inviting any non-dog-loving guests for the foreseeable future. Well, as long as there are soft dog paws and wet noses to cuddle, I don’t mind.